Door Industry Journal - The Voice of the UK Door and Gate Industry is an independently produced trade journal, published for the garage, industrial, doorset, entrance and fire door, security, lock, ironmongery and automated gate industries.

Thursday, 23 June 2016

NSI launches Powered Gates Certification Scheme at IFSEC

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced today the launch of its ground-breaking Powered Gates certification scheme. Installers and maintainers of powered gates, barriers and gate automation equipment are now able to obtain NSI approval for the Services they provide in this sector.

NSI approval provides the ultimate reassurance for buyers and users of powered gates that their contractor is complying with the highest standards of safety and security.

For the past two and a half years, NSI has been working with the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) in the development of their new Powered Gate Code of Practice (DHF TS 011:2016 - Code of Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates). The new code, upon which the NSI certification scheme is based, covers installers’ responsibilities for gate design, new installations, risk assessment and commissioning. It also details their responsibilities for the maintenance and modification of existing gates and covers risk assessment, safe isolation and documentation.

The NSI scheme based on the DHF code is a significant response to industry concerns over poor safety standards and tragic accidents caused by unsafe powered gates. Since 2005 there have been seven deaths in the UK and Ireland, at least eight serious injuries and countless near misses caused by dangerous powered gates. It is reported by DHF that just 30% of the 500,000 automated gate installations in service in the UK are safe. NSI’s new Powered Gates certification scheme is designed to reduce the safety risks associated with powered gates to as low as is reasonably practicable, and giving confidence to buyers and users in the service providers they choose to use.

Six companies working in the powered gates sector recently volunteered themselves for scrutiny by taking part in a comprehensive pilot audit programme guided by the DHF and conducted by NSI. The programme tested the efficacy of the new code as fit for purpose including verifying the competence of NSI auditors, and the practicality of the audit process.

Richard Jenkins, NSI chief executive said:

“We are delighted to announce that from today, NSI is open for business for organisations seeking Powered Gate Approval as verification of their expertise and professionalism and commitment to gate safety. The pilot programme was invaluable in validating the code, the competencies of our auditors and our audit process.

“We and the DHF are immensely grateful to the organisations who took part in the pilot programme. Many lessons have been learned over the last two and a half years and we can be rightly confident that the ‘Gates’ certification scheme will demonstrate the commitment of progressive organisations working in the powered gates sector to raising standards.”

Bob Perry, DHF executive chairman said:

“This has been a really fulfilling project, with us and NSI working so effectively together. I’m really pleased that this important new scheme is being launched today and we wish NSI every success in delivering it.”

Approved companies will be able to issue NSI/DHF Certificates of Compliance to the owners and operators of installations completed in compliance with the code. DHF TS 011:2016, the Code of Practice for the Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates, can be downloaded from the DHF website:

Companies interested in achieving certification for their powered gates business should contact the NSI Applications Team on: T: 01628 764855 E: applications@nsi.org.uk

About the National Security Inspectorate:

End users who choose to contract NSI approved companies can be assured of security and fire safety services delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality. The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), with a national network of full-time qualified auditors specialising in security and fire audits, is recognised as the UK’s leading specialist certification body and counts the UK’s premier security and fire safety providers amongst its clients. NSI provides robust auditing by NSI experts to verify compliance with relevant British and European standards, Codes of Practice and certification schemes developed by industry bodies and associations.

Representing all the key players in the following sectors: powered gates, industrial/commercial doors, metal and timber doorsets, garage doors, and locks & architectural hardware. With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry, all DHF members must meet minimum standards of competence and customer service. They all operate within a Code of Conduct governing standards of workmanship, quality assurance, training, safety, business integrity and CE marking compliance.

More Information on DHF TS 011:2016The key element within the NSI scheme is DHF TS 011:2016, a new industry code of practice designed to reduce the safety risks associated with powered gates to as low as is reasonably practicable.

DHF TS 011:2016 has been developed in conjunction with NSI by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), which represents Britain’s leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment.

The DHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates has taken two years to develop. It confirms the UK automated gate industry’s place at the forefront of powered gate safety.

The aim of DHF TS 011:2016 is to reduce the risks associated with powered gates by giving installers and maintainers - and all adherents to the code of practice a framework to ensure a gate is safe and therefore complies with the law. The code draws on safety legislation, European standards, and industry best practice. It gives practical help to all those involved in powered gates to meet their legal obligations by providing clear guidance on the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of powered gates.

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